Opossum Attack

[clevertexas2]

Over the summer I got four hens and absolutely adored the process. They have been a treat for the family. Sunday night an opossum broke into their enclosure and killed two of the chickens and left one missing some feathers with a wound on her back (not too big) and then one of her eyes is shut closed but not bite or scratch marks around it. By her ear there is a small wound as well. She walks around ok but she is clearly traumatized. Her and the other chicken huddle up all day and don't really move. The other chicken was not harmed and will eat but the wounded one is a different story. She tries to peck some times but misses her target because of her eye or she will peck something and not end up eating it. Im scared something is wrong with her but I can't figure out what. I am just looking for advice on what to do, because I really love these chickens and want the best for them after this horrific experience. Thanks

 

[roosterhavoc]

She needs antibiotics ASAP. Opposums have a lot of bacteria in their mouths. Any time a chicken is attacked by an animal like that they should get antibiotics.
La-200 injectable from tractor supply or similar.

 

[50-45-1]

Oh my gosh! I am so sorry.
First make your coop secure for them as the possum will be back for more fresh chicken.
Set a trap and rid yourself of him.
Second its hard to treat around the eye. Just make sure the flies do not get to her. The other wounds i would just put some triple antibiotic on them, carefully any wounds around the head also.
Give her some electolite and vitamin supliment to help her recover. Boil up a couple eggs and mash them for your girls to give them a boost in nutrition.
I am sorry for your loss.
Keep us updated on there behavior and recovery.

 

[roosterhavoc]

Electrolytes and all the vitamins in the world won’t help a chicken that gets a blood infection from a wild animal. Neosporin alone ain’t gonna cut it.

 

[roosterhavoc]

Most hurt chickens won’t hardly eat anything either. You can give them dextrose or regular sugar water.

 

[clevertexas2]

Oh my gosh! I am so sorry.
First make your coop secure for them as the possum will be back for more fresh chicken.
Set a trap and rid yourself of him.
Second its hard to treat around the eye. Just make sure the flies do not get to her. The other wounds i would just put some triple antibiotic on them, carefully any wounds around the head also.
Give her some electolite and vitamin supliment to help her recover. Boil up a couple eggs and mash them for your girls to give them a boost in nutrition.
I am sorry for your loss.
Keep us updated on there behavior and recovery.

They are sleeping in a carrier inside the house for good now. I feel like they are safe in there and I don't mind them in there. I have killed the opossum and am working to fix the coop up for their day time use. Thank you for the kind words. I am going to take her to vet specialist so she can get the best care possible.

 

[roosterhavoc]

They are sleeping in a carrier inside the house for good now. I feel like they are safe in there and I don't mind them in there. I have killed the opossum and am working to fix the coop up for their day time use. Thank you for the kind words. I am going to take her to vet specialist so she can get the best care possible.

You can do it yourself if you want. I know a lot of people are intimidated but it’s not hard to inject chickens in the breast and clean wounds. You will also save a lot of money.

 

[Fairview01]

Survived a coyote attack somehow. Was off feed for about 10 days. Stood in same place just about all day long. Now it keeps up with the flock.
Sometimes chickens decide they are gonna die despite the best care provide. I have a one eyed hen and she's figured how to eat without dept perception.

 

[clevertexas2]

View attachment 1546396 Survived a coyote attack somehow. Was off feed for about 10 days. Stood in same place just about all day long. Now it keeps up with the flock.
Sometimes chickens decide they are gonna die despite the best care provide. I have a one eyed hen and she's figured how to eat without dept perception.

This was very encouraging for me! Thank you so much for posting your personal experience. I am new to the backyard chicken life, but I just want to do what is right for the birds because they are pets just like a dog or cat would be.

 

[MissChick@dee]

They are sleeping in a carrier inside the house for good now. I feel like they are safe in there and I don't mind them in there. I have killed the opossum and am working to fix the coop up for their day time use. Thank you for the kind words. I am going to take her to vet specialist so she can get the best care possible.

Glad you got the possum!!!!
Some NASTY critters!!
Sorry for your troubles. I’ll say a little prayer for y’all.